This form is used by a tenant to inform the landlord of a problem with the lease premises, specifically failure of the heating system. With this form, the tenant notifies the landlord that he/she/it has breached the statutory duty to maintain the property in tenantable condition and demands that immediate repairs be made.
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date] [Landlord’s Name] [Landlord’s Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] Subject: NOTICE OF BROKEN, UNSAFE, OR INADEQUATE HEATER — DEMAND FOR IMMEDIATE REMEDY Dear [Landlord’s Name], I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude for providing a cozy dwelling at [Rental Property Address] in Cambridge, Massachusetts. However, it is with deep concern that I am writing to notify you of a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. The heating system in my unit is currently broken, rendering it both unsafe and inadequate to maintain a habitable living environment. As the cold weather intensifies, this situation has become an urgent matter requiring prompt resolution. I have noticed the following symptoms indicating the malfunction of the heater: 1. Insufficient heat output: Despite adjusting the thermostat settings and checking the pilot light, the heater fails to generate adequate warmth to keep the temperature at a comfortable level. This inability to maintain a suitable temperature poses risks to my health and overall well-being, especially during the bitterly cold New England winters. 2. Frequent fluctuations and abrupt shutdowns: The heating unit often experiences sudden fluctuations in temperature levels, leading to discomfort and inconsistency in room temperatures throughout the day and night. Moreover, it occasionally shuts down completely, leaving me and my fellow residents without any heat source. 3. Strange noises and odors: There are unusual sounds emanating from the heating system, including clanking, hissing, or banging noises. Additionally, unpleasant odors, such as burning smells or gas-like scents, have been detected when the heater is in use. Considering these issues, it is imperative that immediate action be taken to rectify the broken, unsafe, or inadequate heater. As your tenant, I have the right to a habitable dwelling as outlined by the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186, Section 14. Therefore, I kindly request that you take the following steps within 48 hours to address this matter effectively: 1. Arrange for an immediate inspection of the heating system by a licensed HVAC professional to assess the extent of the damage and identify the underlying issues contributing to its malfunction. 2. Promptly repair or replace the broken components or the entire heating system, if necessary, to ensure it functions properly and provides a safe, reliable, and adequate heat source for the premises. 3. Provide regular updates regarding the progress made to remedy the heating issue, including estimated timelines for repairs, replacement, or any other necessary actions to restore a consistent and habitable environment. Failure to act swiftly will result in continued discomfort, potential health hazards, and potential violations of my legal rights as a tenant. If this matter is not addressed within a reasonable timeframe, I may be forced to seek legal remedies, including but not limited to the withholding of rent, seeking alternative housing, or filing a formal complaint with the relevant local housing authority. I trust that you comprehend the gravity of this situation and understand the importance of rectifying the broken, unsafe, or inadequate heater promptly. Your immediate attention and favorable response are greatly appreciated. Please respond to this letter in writing or contact me directly at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] to confirm receipt and to communicate an action plan ensuring the timely resolution of this critical matter. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Signature if sending a hard copy]
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date] [Landlord’s Name] [Landlord’s Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] Subject: NOTICE OF BROKEN, UNSAFE, OR INADEQUATE HEATER — DEMAND FOR IMMEDIATE REMEDY Dear [Landlord’s Name], I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude for providing a cozy dwelling at [Rental Property Address] in Cambridge, Massachusetts. However, it is with deep concern that I am writing to notify you of a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. The heating system in my unit is currently broken, rendering it both unsafe and inadequate to maintain a habitable living environment. As the cold weather intensifies, this situation has become an urgent matter requiring prompt resolution. I have noticed the following symptoms indicating the malfunction of the heater: 1. Insufficient heat output: Despite adjusting the thermostat settings and checking the pilot light, the heater fails to generate adequate warmth to keep the temperature at a comfortable level. This inability to maintain a suitable temperature poses risks to my health and overall well-being, especially during the bitterly cold New England winters. 2. Frequent fluctuations and abrupt shutdowns: The heating unit often experiences sudden fluctuations in temperature levels, leading to discomfort and inconsistency in room temperatures throughout the day and night. Moreover, it occasionally shuts down completely, leaving me and my fellow residents without any heat source. 3. Strange noises and odors: There are unusual sounds emanating from the heating system, including clanking, hissing, or banging noises. Additionally, unpleasant odors, such as burning smells or gas-like scents, have been detected when the heater is in use. Considering these issues, it is imperative that immediate action be taken to rectify the broken, unsafe, or inadequate heater. As your tenant, I have the right to a habitable dwelling as outlined by the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186, Section 14. Therefore, I kindly request that you take the following steps within 48 hours to address this matter effectively: 1. Arrange for an immediate inspection of the heating system by a licensed HVAC professional to assess the extent of the damage and identify the underlying issues contributing to its malfunction. 2. Promptly repair or replace the broken components or the entire heating system, if necessary, to ensure it functions properly and provides a safe, reliable, and adequate heat source for the premises. 3. Provide regular updates regarding the progress made to remedy the heating issue, including estimated timelines for repairs, replacement, or any other necessary actions to restore a consistent and habitable environment. Failure to act swiftly will result in continued discomfort, potential health hazards, and potential violations of my legal rights as a tenant. If this matter is not addressed within a reasonable timeframe, I may be forced to seek legal remedies, including but not limited to the withholding of rent, seeking alternative housing, or filing a formal complaint with the relevant local housing authority. I trust that you comprehend the gravity of this situation and understand the importance of rectifying the broken, unsafe, or inadequate heater promptly. Your immediate attention and favorable response are greatly appreciated. Please respond to this letter in writing or contact me directly at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] to confirm receipt and to communicate an action plan ensuring the timely resolution of this critical matter. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Signature if sending a hard copy]
Para su conveniencia, debajo del texto en español le brindamos la versión completa de este formulario en inglés.
For your convenience, the complete English version of this form is attached below the Spanish version.